What is this?

[Bacchus]

Nope. It’s a solid cylinder if Al, markings show turning on large. When unscrewed, it’s a 1” threaded hole that screws onto the stainless pipe. Inside is just the bottom of the drilled and threaded hole.



So nobody knows what it is despite a lot of clever surmises. Obviously, it’s a conversation piece.

No hole/ threads in the top?

 

[OldDan1943]

And the correct answer is ….. (drum roll, trumpets sounding). a radar reflector
See I was correct. (Humble humble)

Please send your nickels to me.

 

[CaptTom]

I'm still skeptical about the radar reflector theory. I've read a number of studies on reflectors, and none of them mentioned Aluminum cylinders. They universally panned the cylindrical-shaped tubes with the internal retro-reflective surfaces. What always works best are the diamond-shaped reflectors, positioned so that the signal is always reflected back to the source. That's what fishermen use for their high flyers, and what the Coast Guard uses for buoys. Both of which show up well on radar.

Anyway, if someone could post a link proving that it's sold as a radar reflector, I'll have learned something. Still won't believe it actually works, but neither do lots of things they sell.

 

[Jeff F]

I'm still skeptical about the radar reflector theory.

Me too.

 

[OldDan1943]

I didn’t say nor imply it was the best reflector just, a reflector.

I have a folding target from Defenders. I have yet to find the best spot, still thinking. Placement is complicated by the placement of the 2 solar panels

So many designs yet, no ‘best reflector.’ Maybe we should all buy metal boats and then the reflector would be of no use.

 

[SoWhat]

Well it's on a boat so clearly a very expensive item. I would not remove it. Once you do you will find out it is worth thousands and you will never remember where you put it.

 

[MichaelD]

Well it's on a boat so clearly a very expensive item. I would not remove it. Once you do you will find out it is worth thousands and you will never remember where you put it.

My thought exactly.

as to other comments: if it was sold as a radar reflector, somebody got robbed. A cylinder will produce a very poor return. As someone mentioned, the orthogonal diamonds are the best as they return the signal regardless of direction.

 

[MichaelD]

No hole/ threads in the top?

None

 

[BruceK]

A mount for a radar reflector?
If it`s just clamped on, and you`re not using it(as far as you know) remove and store it, and see what happens.

 

[Hedley]

Lightning rod??

 

[MichaelD]

A mount for a radar reflector?
If it`s just clamped on, and you`re not using it(as far as you know) remove and store it, and see what happens.

It’s inert. If I take it down nothing will happen. Or everything will happen. It has no causality.

 

[BruceK]

It’s inert. If I take it down nothing will happen. Or everything will happen. It has no causality.

If Jean Paul Sartre was a member(and not dead) he would surely contribute.

 

[Art]

Solid or hollow rod? Looks like it may unscrew off its mount... and, maybe between the two different diameter rods too? If hollow, and unscrews... good place to hide drugs, cash, documents??? Otherwise... it looks good!

 

[Blissboat]

If Jean Paul Sartre was a member(and not dead) he would surely contribute.

:lol:

 

[OldDan1943]

Lightning rod??

Nope. A lightning rod would have a thick cable running from it to a grounding plate somewhere on the boat.


Does anyone use a lightening detector? I was wondering if the are worthwhile and what brand and model do you have.

 

[Hedley]

antenna mount??

 

[Hedley]

another pic

 

[Steve1.0]

+1 on the pole holder. What is the id of the alum tube?

 

[C lectric]

+2 on pole holder for something the P.O. could not easily adapt directly to a rail mount but could mount to this adapter.

 

[Bmarler]

i'm with hedley on this. it's a mount for some sort of antenna. i just cant get behind any idea that it's a radar reflector. if that shape worked as a radar reflector there would be no need for a sailboat to mount a reflector as the aluminum mast would suffice.
also could be a mount for one of those weather station sensor arrays.

 

[Hippocampus]

Could be a mount for something thats needs to freely rotate with minimal friction such as a wind generator or weather station. Intentionally non magnetic. Any evidence of wear on the outside?

 

[Action]

It is a stationary wind chime.

 

[Bmarler]

satellite dish mount

 

[rgano]

Antenna holder gets my vote, but if you want to dispel the rumors of radar reflector, put it and a volunteer in the dink and send them off a few hundred yards. Watch the radar while the volunteer alternately holds it under water and over their head. This is PHUN.

 

[SoWhat]

I have finally determined what it is. Upon signing of the NDA and appropriate payment (in bitcoin) I will reveal the secret.

 

[OldDan1943]

I have finally determined what it is. Upon signing of the NDA and appropriate payment (in bitcoin) I will reveal the secret.

Great, how many bit coins are you going to pay me?

You folks just dont want me to be correct when I say, it a radar target.

 

[boomerang]

Lightning rod??

This was my first thought, too. If it's up high and clamped to the railing and the railing is bonded with a fairly large cable, then why not? It's bound to be just as effective as all of those other lightning gimmicks that folks bolt to their arches and masts.

 

[BeeJay]

These are quite common around here, they prevent kangaroos from nesting on your boat.

 

[Mako]

It’s the employee of the month… an inanimate carbon rod!

 

[hmason]

It's a "Viagra onboard" signal.